12/17/23 – Gahhhh, we didn’t want to do this, but one more week until the release of Mayor of Mayville. We were able to collect some more feedback this week and there are a few pieces we still want to clean up. If you absolutely can’t wait and want the draft, reach out via dumbestdnd@gmail.com and we’ll send it along. Otherwise we aim to truly have it out next week!
We’ve also get some festive add-ons for you below that you can use in any of your sessions over the next few weeks. Stay safe out there!
DnD Creator Spotlight
DM Resource: Beyond the Beasts – Available to back now, Beyond the Beasts is an incredible way to add depth to unique monsters at your table as well as explore parts of monsters new DMs may not be comfortable enough using (lair actions and legendary actions especially). Their decks are a huge timesaver, fit perfectly on your DM screen and have great artwork. Back the project today!
Artist: Martin McCoy – RVA Illustrator and tattoo artist as well as the developer of MOSSCAIRN, Martin McCoy produces amazing artwork. His posts vary from fuzzy feudal creatures to dark and grim paintings. MOSSCAIRN is described as “Navigate and survive a low feudal world through paths of primal forest and blossoming highland. 5e version available too!”
Podcast: Gals & Goblins – A big measure of how much we enjoy DnD podcasts is the interactions of the group. Sometimes it’s a bit stilted or awkward, but that’s never the case with Gals & Goblins. Some of the most fun we’ve had listening to a group play, and the episodes are only about an hour long. Great for any holiday travel over the next week.
Have other creators we should feature? Let us know!
DM Tip: 5 things to consider before creating your first campaign:
1. Absolutely number 1, Talk to your players about what kind of game they’re looking for. If they only want combat and you create an incredibly social world, you’re both going to have a bad time. Talk about the desired mix of the three pillars
2. Determine if you’ll create your own campaign from scratch, go word for word through a pre-written campaign, or a hybrid. Each has its benefits, but if it becomes overwhelming, fallback on a pre-written adventure and expand from there.
3. What makes your world unique? Races, Magic Level, Class system, Setting, History? This helps paint your NPCs and their motivations
4. Have a rough idea of the overarching plot, but hold on loosely. The second your players step into the world, they change your view of it. Getting too attached can hinder the collaborative aspects of DnD, so be careful.
5. Don’t stress yourself out. Your players likely know this is your first campaign, so while you should strive for doing your best, be kind to yourself when things go wrong. Note what happened and learn from it for the next session.
Overall, have fun. Creating a campaign should be exciting and is a great way to flex all of your skills. Let us know in the comments what other questions you have
This Week’s Posts
- Mean Mr. Grynnch – Based on The Grinch, this NPC is a green-furred bugbear that may have a bigger heart than he initially shows.
- Deck of Many Halls – The party is asked to assist a bed-ridden gentleman who hid some gifts (and his will) in the Deck of Many Halls. If they can find the right hall, they may be able to easily retrieve the items. Any Party Level.
- 5 Holiday Themed Items For DnD – As the holidays approach, many of you are starting to dive into holiday-themed one shots, adventures, or side quests in your current…
- Christmas Tree Armor Set – A festive set of armor with holiday buffs and protection.
If you have a moment, we’d appreciate it if you could take a quick survey for feedback about what else you’d like to see in these weekly newsletters.
